Furthermore , once unpacked the file dates for every dev_flash archive has changed to that of 7/29/2010 , vs the original of 7/21/2010 - as seen in the images below.

So, Sony did indeed update the firmware without informing anyone, probably a change in a single (or few) SPRX's. - Also, the new Auto Update feature in regards to PS3 Patches was not updated - so it was possible that it was not affected (or, that Sony did not fix it!)"

This patch is in the nick of time for me, I was stuck playing a game without patching it first resulting in loading times in moments of the game which simply shouldn't have loading times (like entering a menu or picking up an item!). The companies that made the game (Sega & Platinum Games) didn't even make the patch, Sony did.

Yeah I'm talking about Bayonetta, I wouldn't have bought it (butchered port) if the price wasn't cheaper than dirt. The fact that it's second hand means those companies make no money off of my purchase, IMO they don't deserve any for butchering it so bad.

Well I just updated my Fat PS3 to 3.41 (goodbye sweet firmware 3.15). I changed my mind on what hard drive I was going to use, I will be getting another one (likely tomorrow) and will report back if anything goes wrong.

To be honest, I don't even pay attention to the news of firmware breaking PS3's anymore. It seems like every time a firmware comes out someone's ps3 breaks and they get upset, so they complain and moan about it on the internet and someone picks it up as a story.

The fact is every firmware upgrade for every device has a chance to brick your system. Mainly because it's changing the actual structure of the operating system, which can end badly.

To be honest, I don't even pay attention to the news of firmware breaking PS3's anymore. It seems like every time a firmware comes out someone's ps3 breaks and they get upset, so they complain and moan about it on the internet and someone picks it up as a story.

The fact is every firmware upgrade for every device has a chance to brick your system. Mainly because it's changing the actual structure of the operating system, which can end badly.

So as far as I'm concerned these articles are wasted space.

YOU sir should read a little better. Its NOT about a brick at all! The thing i am mentioning is something much sophisticater! We all know damn well that Sony is trying to get you to buy a new Slim. So every update a lot of Phat die.

The update was installed succesfully! And it run for like a day without any problems.

So you cannot talk about a brick here... The person below me was watching a movie, thus also no brick.

My sincerest condolences to those with problems. I feel for you! I don't agree however that $ony would intentionally put out FW to the world to break fat PS3's. People won't buy any PS3 if $ony is trying to get rid of fat PS3's.

Like always, there are problems with some PS3's and unfotunately some are costly to repair and in some cases replacement is the answer.

I tried to download 3.41 from our ZA site just to find that there is some sort of "glitch" preventing from doing so, but it seems like THAT was intentional so people don't download corrupt FW.

And again, (hating the part to come up for $ony) they have responded quickly to produce a FW fix.

I have learned yet again to wait before downloading and updating FW. My advice to all:

1. It is best to wait a couple of weeks before updating to see if there are any problems with FW.
2. Backup before updating.
3. Rather download on external media and install from same than to do it online directly with PS3.